Physical Properties of a Variety of Nanostructures

In the research project, ab initio calculations will be employed to study the physical properties of a variety of nano-scale materials. We will explore the possibility of using the fullerene C60 molecules to store hydrogen molecules. A recent experiment has given this idea a boost. Its potential applications are tremendous. We will also examine the role of the BN nanotube as a 「nano-cable」, inside which various materials are shielded and protected from outside interference. Interaction between bio-chemical molecules and carbon nanotubes will be investigated, probing the use of the carbon nanotube as a tool for sensing and manipulating biological processes. Finally, transport properties are studied for systems with nanotubes or molecules connected between two electrodes. With magnetic impurities encapsulated or doped, spin-dependent transport should be apparent and spintronic applications should not be far off. The use of molecules should also lead to further development in molecular electronics.

Project ID:PA9708-0320
External Project ID:NSC95-2112-M182-001-MY3